More than 20 people killed in shooting at Sutherland Springs, Texas church

More than 20 people were shot dead by a man who entered a church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. The authorities don’t know why the shooter did that and they still don’t know the exact number of victims.

Albert Gamez Jr., a Wilson County commissioner, stated that the man was chased after he opened fire at the church and that he is dead. It is not clear if he committed suicide or if he was shot. Victims and wounded are still in the church. The police have asked the inhabitant of the rural community to stay indoors.

First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, where the tragedy took place. Image credit: AP Photo

“May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan” tweeted President Donald Trump on Sunday afternoon, while he is on a tour in Asia.

There are kids among the victims

There is not a total count of the number of deaths in the Texas shooting, according to Wilson County Officer Paul W. Pfeil. Officials said that the man went inside the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. He opened fired against every single person in the place, and now there are at least 20 deaths.

According to an emergency medical technician, the total number would be 27 people dead and 24 people wounded. Apparently, there are kids among the victims.

Sutherland Springs is a really small town in Texas, located about 30 miles east of San Antonio. Inhabitants know each other, so experiencing such a tragic event is indeed a shock to the small community.

“You never expect something like this. My heart is broken.” Said Mr. Gamez.

Families in tears wait to see if their family and friends are safe. Praying for the safety of all those involved. pic.twitter.com/yjzK7lZJ1S

Victims are still in the church. The injured ones were taken to a hospital. However, Megan Posey, a spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville, Tex., said they don’t know how many people have arrived at the hospital. Posey said they are ready to receive more and that they have activated its emergency response team. Information about the patients in the hospital is currently unavailable.

“We’re sending more officers on the streets to help secure Connally Memorial while they’re bringing the casualties to the hospital,” Constable David Keen said.

Right now the area surrounding the church is blocked. Families, neighbors, and friends are impatient to know whether or not their loved ones are alive. The police advice people who live in the area to stay home.

The shooter is dead, but his motives are still unknown

The purposes of the killer are not known. The police informed that the shooter was chased north into neighboring Guadalupe County and now he is dead.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas sent condolences to all the people harmed by this act of terror. As well, President Donald Trump sent a message to the people and authorities of the small Texas town. Other influential figures such as Ted Cruz and Ken Paxton — the attorney general of Texas — sent a warming message to those involved in the tragedy.